When using “xref” in Autocad, always be aware that a drawing has a lifetime in which its usage changes. A drawing will usually go into an archive at some stage. This means that links to referenced drawings can easily be lost if you xref drawings using “full path”. Instead, always insert xrefs using “relative” path, and make sure the xref drawing is in the same folder or sub-folder. This means if you archive a whole folder of drawings, the links will never be broken.
Secondly, when saving a drawing to be used as an xref, always include the date in the filename. This way if a link gets broken, someone re-attaching the referenced drawing will never use an old version of the same file.
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Rob, I followed a link from EatYourCAD to your site.
The biggest danger has just been santioned by your recommendation… moving targets… changing the Xref name during it’s design life time is a cardinal sin.
If the Xref name never changes repathing / knowing if it’s the latest version
is never an issue.
Put the date into the filename of the superseded version.
Xref1.dwg = current version
Xref1_20080116.dwg = superseded on 16th January 2008
Xref1_20071201.dwg = superseded on 1st December 2007
Xref1_20071115.dwg = superseded on 15th Novemeber 2007
Rolling back couldn’t be easier than removing the date from the filename.
(You should have the idea by now.)
Secondly do not use paths at all. Use the projectname variable and add the search paths to the profile. Ultimate flexibilty, without changing drawings.
Nice looking site.
I read your blog in a regular manner and just love it
hope there will be more postings from you, keep on going
greetz, carmella
Hi Mark
Thanks for your recommendations. I agree with your point about dating xrefs i.e leave the current xref name alone, and date the superceded versions. This may be better in many cases – but I think it’s a matter of preference.
On your first point, our zealous IT manager changed the name of our server recently without consulting me. So overnight all our xrefs became un-pathed. So sometimes your path changes no matter how much you try to avoid it! 6 months on we’re still reeling from that little blunder.
I’m not sure “projectname” works on Acad Lt. Could you check that out and post back?
regards
Rob